At the moment, eleven Poseidon flight tests are being conducted. However, there are still many questions about the weapon system. According to Pentagon, it has a payload of around two megatons. It could decimate a city in America in under 30 minutes. Poseidon is also capable of carrying both nuclear warheads as well conventional munitions. This means Poseidon can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
A submarine is capable of carrying up to six Poseidon torpedoes. The submarine can travel at speeds of up to 80 mph on land and 70 mph underwater. It can travel up to 3,280 feet. It is believed to have a titanium hull that will withstand pressure at these depths.
The Poseidon-type torpedo might have a diameter of approximately 1.6 m, and a length around 24 meters. It would be double the size of a normal submarine. It is believed to be capable of traveling at speeds exceeding 90 km/h. This is more than double the speed of a conventional submarine. It is also believed that it can travel virtually anywhere in the world.
But, there are some limitations to the Poseidon Torpedo. It could be slow enough to strike a coastal town. It might also be hard to detect. Poseidon's nuclear propeller system could also malfunction, posing a threat to the submarine. The Poseidon's nuclear propulsion system may be radioactive. Despite these concerns though, the Poseidon Torpedo could cause a nuclear explosion and flood coastal cities using radioactive water.
Satellite images of Russia's Arctic will show Poseidon-sized weapons. It is unlikely that Russia will test the weapon in the near future. Russia will likely begin testing it within the next few years. In order to test the weapon, Russian ships need to travel in the Arctic waters before the sea freezes over in winter.
Experts are still skeptical about the Poseidon's potential, although it is still theoretically being developed. Greenpeace analyst says that there are many issues that need to be addressed. Particularly, the unarmed torpedo could have very limited applications. Russians should spend more on training in command and controlling.
If it is successful, the Poseidon will be able to destroy strike groups and aircraft carriers. It could also strike at submerged infrastructure or target coastal cities. This could prove to have devastating effects, especially on NATO's largest power projection assets. The specially modified Oscar submarines that were designed to carry the Poseidon will be used to transport it to the target. In addition, it is believed that Russia will need to build a large carrier for Poseidon. This could take up to years, depending on what type of carrier it is.
According to an American official, it appears that the Russians have difficulties testing the Poseidon. The US Navy has been preparing countermeasures to protect against Poseidon. Sensor-mines are used to detect and destroy Poseidons.